Empowering Women: Enhancing Urban Safety in Modern Cities

Women, constituting almost half of the population, are considered empowered and independent in the 21 st century. Being women ourselves, on the one hand, the feeling of empowerment and privilege prevails, for getting opportunities for education and employment. Though it is often overpowered by a sense of anxiety and fear, on the journey back from work, in staying at work past work hours, while catching an early morning/ late night flight. Does it impact the state of mind and influence our choice? It certainly does. So, are we privileged and empowered? Well, the experiences indicate otherwise.

Sexual harassment and violence in public spaces are critical issues that affect the safety, well- being, and freedom of individuals, particularly women and other marginalized groups. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) 2022 report, there were approximately 31,500 cases of rape registered in India, highlighting the severity of sexual violence against women. According to a survey in 2019, India ranked highest on the list of dangerous countries for women. Another report from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), 2022 found that around 15% of women aged 15-49 had experienced sexual violence. A survey conducted by the India Today Group in 2023 revealed that 40% of women feel unsafe while traveling alone at night in their own cities. The recent incident of rape of a female doctor in her workplace in Kolkata once again brings to light the significance of safety in public places. In workplaces, public transportation, urban streets, public parks and even religious places, every woman has faced incidents of physical and sexual harassment and felt unsafe more than once in her life. But again, the critical question remains, what are the forms of sexual harassment, how does it impact and how can our cities be made safer for women and other gender minorities?

Sexual harassment involves unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Any verbal, visual, and physical act of such kind, creates an environment of fear and intimidation for individuals that can lead to long-term feelings of anxiety and depression and can be considered as harassment and abuse. The most common forms of sexual harassment include- verbal abuse, passing sensitive comments and violence. It impacts the physical, psychological and emotional health of the individual and often results in compromising the choice, missing out on opportunities, and leading a life of deprivation. It hampers their participation in socio-economic activities. Even after Fifty years since Henri Lefebvre (1968) defined it, “the right to the city” remains a dream for most women.

There is an urgent need to redefine urban safety by expanding its scope beyond just physical harm. Safety also encompasses emotional and mental well-being. This means considering the concerns of women and other marginalised groups and addressing their unique vulnerabilities. To truly adopt "safety" as a fundamental principle of urban development, urban planning must prioritise mental health, emotional security, and inclusivity. When these factors are considered, cities become safer, more equitable, and more supportive of all their citizens

A change is a must yet it is gradual. Any city is a reflection of its people, systems and place; therefore, the change must reflect in both. The significance of an inclusive, accessible and safe physical environment cannot be overlooked. “She RISES (responsive inclusive, safe and equitable spaces)”, a comprehensive framework developed by Safetipin, identified critical elements of built environment like- lighting, pavements, eye on streets, and availability of public toilets, that impact a woman’s perception of the safety of urban areas.

Improving women's safety in urban areas requires a collaborative effort between citizens, and system that is facilitated through infrastructure. Safety interventions should encourage input from people while being supported by systematic frameworks, technology, and governance. The combination of active citizen engagement, policy-driven systems, and thoughtful infrastructure can lead to the creation of truly safe and inclusive cities.

Technological Interventions: Leveraging Innovation for Safety 

Technology plays a significant role in enhancing safety, both at the individual level and at the system-wide scale. Various technologies can be implemented in urban areas to improve safety, including:

Surveillance systems: CCTV cameras in public spaces and transit hubs act as

• Surveillance systems: CCTV cameras in public spaces and transit hubs act as deterrents and provide evidence in case of crimes.

• IoT-enabled infrastructure: Smart streetlights, public panic buttons, and emergency alert systems connected via the Internet of Things (IoT) allow for real-time responses to threats.

• Mobile safety apps: Platforms such as the “My Safetipin App” collect user-based data on the safety of various locations, allowing users to rate streets or public spaces based  on factors like lighting, visibility, and general safety. This crowdsourced data can help city authorities identify "dark spots" or unsafe areas, facilitating timely interventions.

• Application-based monitoring: Apps and devices with GPS tracking can enable authorities or family members to monitor women's whereabouts, particularly in high-risk areas or during late-night travel.

By identifying unsafe locations and co-designing public spaces to incorporate universal design principles, technology can help reduce harassment. These interventions deter crime and foster greater participation by citizens in ensuring the safety of their communities.

Behavioural Change: Creating a Culture of Accountability

While infrastructure and technology are critical, true change requires a shift in societal behaviour. The creation of a safe and equitable city depends on a broader cultural and behavioural shift, both among urban practitioners and the general population.

On one hand, urban development should actively adopt principles like "Eyes on the Street," where the people take collective responsibility for maintaining public order and safety. On the other hand, the role of bystanders must be strengthened. The phenomenon known as "diffusion of responsibility," where bystanders fail to act in situations of harassment or violence, needs to be addressed. Raising awareness about what constitutes harassment and how to intervene safely is essential for creating a culture of empathy and accountability.

Campaigns like "Ring the Bell," which encourages neighbours to intervene in domestic violence situations by literally ringing the bell of a victim's house, have been highly effective in changing behaviour. Simple actions like making noise, offering verbal support, or standing in the line of sight of an offender, can de-escalate potentially dangerous situations. Such behavioural interventions demonstrate how people can play a significant role in ensuring women's safety.

Despite all the technological advancements and infrastructure improvements, it’s crucial to remember that safe urban areas are ultimately built by people who are responsible, aware, and empathetic. Thus, creating safe cities for women is about more than just lighting streets or installing cameras, it’s about fostering a sense of community, respect, and shared responsibility. Authorities and citizens must work together to build inclusive urban environments where everyone, especially women, feels secure.

Ensuring women's safety in urban areas requires an integrated approach that includes inclusive infrastructure, advanced technology, and widespread cultural change. By expanding our definition of safety, leveraging technological innovations, and encouraging behavioural shifts, cities can become more secure for all residents. A future where women can confidently navigate their urban environments without fear is achievable, but it will require continued collaboration, innovation, and commitment.

The blog is written by Kanika Bansal, Aishwarya Bali